May 14: Step By Step.

Galatians 5:25. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Position and condition. Our position is who we are in Christ. Our new identity and reality. Our condition is how we live in light of this new reality. Our position never changes but our condition does.

In Galatians 5:25 we see both our position and condition. Position: we live [zoe] by the Spirit. This is an accomplished fact. Condition: we keep in step with the Spirit. This is an ongoing process that we pursue.

(By the way, the word “if” at the start of the verse could be translated as “since.”)

Let’s remember what we said yesterday- we crucify the flesh by focusing on Christ and his indwelling love in us. Here in Galatians 5:25 we see the same thing. We are crucifying the flesh (5:24) as we keep in step with the Spirit (5:25). Our condition can only change as we trust in our position. And trusting in our position will result in a grace driven effort to change our condition.

In step with the Spirit is a military term- get in line! Let’s do this! Let the Spirit guide you to Christ every moment of each day. Listen to him. Follow his orders. This is faith. This is abiding. It is constant connection and dependency on God by the Spirit, step by step, moment by moment- no shortcuts.

And this is exactly how Jesus lived his human life isn’t it? By remembering how much his Father loved him, and by courageously acting from this love moment by moment. He truly lived in step with the Spirit.

“To live is Christ” is Galatians 5:25. Living by the Spirit is being in Christ. And keeping in step with the Spirit is Christ in us. When we let the indwelling life of Christ flow out of our faith, hope, and love filled life, we are in step. We are in line. We are crucifying the flesh with its deeds. We are truly living!

Are you in step with the Spirit? How is being in step with him much more than just “being good?” Are you letting faith in your position (in Christ) affect your condition in Christ (Christ living out of you)?